Karnataka: Race for Deputy Mayor hots up in JD(S)

Bengaluru: Days after the death of Kaveripura corporator and deputy mayor Ramila Umashankar, the race for the post of deputy mayor is heating up in the JD(S), which has an understanding with the Congress to field a deputy mayoral candidate. 

Party sources said that standing committee chairman and Marappanapalya ward corporator Mahadev had been chosen for the post when Ramila’s name was proposed at the last minute. But he is likely to get it now, they said. This time, the deputy mayor’s post is for the general category.

Apart from Mr Mahadev, the others who are in the race are Mr Rajashekar from Vishwanath Nagenahalli ward and Mr Bhadre Gowda from Nagapura. Kaval Byrasandra ward corporator Nethra Narayan’s name too is doing the rounds. But except Mr Rajashekar, all have been given standing committee and JD(S) floor leader’s posts, said Mr Mahadev, adding that Mr Rajashekar could be given the post if the party leadership approves it. 

Mr Mahadev, who is chairman of taxation and finance committee, said that he is also in the fray and if the party leadership gives him the responsibility, he would accept it. 

He said a meeting of JD(S) corporators and leaders might be held on Wednesday. 

BBMP officials said that elections to the post of deputy mayor post and the vacant Kaveripura ward could be held next month.